System for handling components at a component mounting machine

ABSTRACT

System for handling components in connection with circuit board assembly in a component mounting machine. The system comprises a number of component tapes provided on component tape reels, and a number of tape guides arranged for receiving component tapes of a given component tape width and for bringing the component tape in position for feeding of the component tape and for picking components from the component tape in the component mounting machine. The tape guides have a similar geometrical outline and basic configuration, and each tape guide comprises a component exposure device for exposing a component at a picking position by removing the portion of the cover tape covering the component. The tape guides are divided into sub-sets of tape guides, wherein the tape guides of each individual sub-set have component exposure devices of the same design, which design is dependent on the configurations of the component tapes intended for that sub-set of tape guides. Each tape guide also comprises visual marking for indicating the sub-set to which the tape guide belongs.

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.10/246,730, filed on Sep. 19, 2002, and for which priority is claimedunder 35 U.S.C. § 120; and this application claims priority ofApplication No. 01850159.3 filed in Europe on Sep. 19, 2001 under 35U.S.C. § 119; the entire contents of all are hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of manufacture andassembly of circuit boards. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a system for handling components at a component mountingmachine, the system comprising a plurality of component tapes, aplurality of component tape holders, each holder being arranged forholding a component tape, and a plurality of tape guides arranged forreceiving a component tape and for bringing it in position for feedingand for picking components therefrom. The invention also relates to atape guide for use in the system.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Generally, within the field of manufacture and assembly of circuitboards, electronic components are fed to a component mounting machinefor mechanically and/or electrically mounting the components onto acircuit board. These surface mounted components are often deliveredspaced apart along the length of a component tape. Generally, twodifferent types of component tapes are used. The first type consists ofa lower carrier tape, preferably plastic, provided with componentholding compartments, which are enclosed by a separable, thin, plasticupper cover, or cover tape or protective tape. The second type consistsof a cardboard body provided with through holes. The body is providedwith separable, thin, plastic, top and bottom cover tapes, thus formingcomponent compartments with the through holes. For ease of description,the term cover tape will hereinafter refer only to the top cover, sincethe bottom cover is generally not removed during the component mountingprocess. Consequently, the term carrier tape will hereinafter also referto the cardboard body with the bottom cover tape provided thereon.

The component tapes are further provided with a lateral portion,extending next to the compartments along the entire length of thecomponent tape, provided with through holes. These through holes areused for engagement with an element of a feeding device of suitabletype, the feeding device feeding the component tape into position forpicking of components from the tape.

After having positioned the electronic components in their correspondingcompartments, the cover tape is attached to the carrier tape, and thecomponent tape is wound on a component tape holder, which within the artgenerally consists of a component tape reel. Then, the component holderis transferred to a component mounting machine, which feeds a componentto a certain predetermined picking position where it can be picked, orcollected, by a pick-up head.

The attachment of the cover tape to the carrier tape can, for instance,be performed by providing areas on either or both of the cover tape andthe carrier tape with adhesive, or areas where the cover tape is fusedto the carrier tape. Generally, these areas are elongated and run alongthe entire extension of the component tape, along and adjacent to eachside of the component compartments.

According to one method for exposing and picking a component from acomponent tape, a particular type of tape guide is used for bringing thecomponent tape in position for feeding the component tape by interactionwith a feeding device, and for picking of components from the tape. Thetape guide is provided with an exposure device, the exposure deviceexposing the components at a picking position, by separating and liftinga portion of the cover tape from the carrier tape, and leaving theremaining portion of the cover at least partially attached to thecarrier tape. Furthermore, the tape guide is releasably mountable in acomponent mounting machine, or in a component magazine for use in themounting process by the component mounting machine, and virtuallyoperates as an adapter between the component tape and feeding andpicking devices of the component mounting machine. Thus, a componenttape is preferably first loaded into the tape guide, and the loaded tapeguide is then mounted in position in or at the component mountingmachine. A more detailed description of the tape guide and the methodsof using such a tape guide are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patentapplications Ser. Nos. 09/886,482 and 09/886,384, which are incorporatedherein by reference.

The use of such a tape guide is advantageous in that, inter alia, it iseasy to load the tape guide with a component tape, it is easy to mountthe loaded tape guide in a component mounting machine, or in a magazinefor use with the component mounting machine, and remove it therefrom,and the tape guide has a simple configuration and build-up withoutmoving parts that is easy and cost-efficient to manufacture.

However, the result from using the above-mentioned method is notaltogether satisfactory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an improvedmethod of handling components using a tape guide as described above.

The present invention is based on the insight of using, for componenttapes of the same width, different tape guides with specific componentexposing devices for exposing the components carried by said componenttapes, the design of said component exposure devices being dependent onthe configuration of the component tape to be used with that tape guide,which configuration in turn is dependent on the size and configurationof the carried component. Thereby, use may be made of tape guides havinga same or similar basic configuration and geometrical outline, but withdifferent component exposure devices. Consequently, tape guides havingone type of basic configuration are provided for handling componenttapes with the same component tape width, wherein the tape guides arevaried in terms of the design of the exposure device for the tape guide.

Furthermore, and according to preferred embodiments of the invention,use is made of visual markings for distinguishing between tape guideswith different component exposure devices.

A significant advantage of the present invention is that it allows forthe simply configured tape guides of the invention to be usedindependent of the type and size of different components to be handledand, in turn, of the configuration of the component tape on which theyare provided. The invention also entails a facilitated handling inconnection with the use of this type of component tape guides, since aminimum of auxiliary equipment and extra labor is required for handlinga vast number of different component tapes and components.

It should be noted that the following description refers to componenttapes having the same component tape width.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda system for handling components at a component mounting machine, whichsystem comprises a plurality of component tapes of a given componenttape width, each component tape, in turn, comprising a carrier tape anda cover tape, and carrying components that are positioned in sequence onthe carrier tape and are covered by the cover tape, wherein thecomponent tapes have different configurations depending on the carriedcomponents. The system also comprises a plurality of component tapeholders, each holder being arranged for holding a component tape, and aplurality of tape guides arranged for receiving a component tape of saidgiven component tape width and for bringing said component tape inposition for feeding of the component tape and for picking componentsfrom the component tape at said component mounting machine, wherein saidtape guides are releasably mountable at said component mounting machine,preferably in a component magazine. Each tape guide is provided with acomponent exposure device, the exposure device exposing a component at apicking position by at least partly removing or displacing the portionof the cover tape covering said component. Also, said tape guides aredivided into sub-sets of tape guides, wherein the tape guides of allsub-sets have a similar geometrical outline and basic configuration, andwherein the tape guides of each sub-set have component exposure devicesof a same design which is different from the designs of the componentexposure devices of the tape guides of the other sub-sets, the design ofthe component exposure devices within each sub-set of tape guides beingdependent on said configurations of the component tapes intended forsaid sub-set of tape guides.

At present, there are a wide variety of different configurations forcomponent tapes of the same component tape width. The thickness of thecomponent tapes may vary, the size of the compartments may varyaccording to the components of the tape, the positions of thecompartments, or rather the distance between the compartments, may alsovary, as may the features of the cover tapes, both as to the positionsof the adhesive or fused areas, as well as the width of the cover tape.However, the majority of components are provided on component tapeshaving a width selected from a few standardized component tape widths.For instance, at present approximately 80 percent of the componentspacked in component tapes and used in the circuit board assemblingindustry are provided on component tapes of 8 mm width.

Generally, each compartment contains one component only. Since the sizeof the components can vary greatly in component tapes of the same width,the size of the compartments varies accordingly. There must besufficient space for accommodating the component, at the same time asthere is a desire for the compartments to be small for limiting themovement of the component within the compartment, and for providing asmany compartments as possible on the component tape. The difference insize refers to both the length and width of the compartment, as well asto the depth of the compartment. The depth of the compartment may alsoaffect the overall thickness of the component tape. According tostandardization protocols, the transversal center of each compartment ispositioned at a defined distance from the lateral edge of the componenttape. Thus, the distance from the lateral edge of the compartment to thelateral side of the component tape varies in accordance with the widthof the compartment. Generally, the areas where the cover tape isattached to the carrier tape are positioned immediately adjacent to thelateral side of each compartment, i.e. between the compartment and thelateral edges of the component tape. For component tapes with very smallcompartments, these areas may be provided slightly spaced apart from theedges of the compartments. Furthermore, the width of the cover tape isgenerally the same for component tapes of the same width. However, thereare exceptions where the width of the cover tape is varied within thesame component tape width, essentially in correspondence with the widthof the compartments.

The exposure device of a tape guide of the invention exposes a componentby at least partly removing or displacing from the carrier tape theportion of the cover tape that covers the component. Preferably, this isperformed by providing the exposure device with a separating portionthat is brought into engagement with the component tape between thecover tape and the carrier tape, thus lifting the cover tape from thecarrier tape. According to the present invention, the design of theexposure device is varied in accordance with the configuration of thecomponent tape, in such a manner that the separating portion is broughtinto engagement with the component tape at the correct position. Thus,each tape guide is provided with an exposure device of a specific typeadapted to the configurations of the component tapes for which the tapeguide is intended. Consequently, the tape guides may be divided intosub-groups or sub-sets of tape guides, wherein the tape guides of allsub-sets have the same geometrical outline and basic configuration,while the design of the exposure devices of the tape guides variesbetween the tape-guides of different sub-sets. In other words, all tapeguides within the same sub-set are adapted for handling the samemultitude of types and configurations of component tapes with the samewidth.

In the following paragraphs, reference will be made to a component tapeprovided with two elongated adhesive areas provided on both sides of thecompartments. However, the invention is also applicable to componenttapes with other solutions for attaching the cover tape to the carriertape, e.g. by fusing, at other or further positions, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theseparating portion of the exposure device is brought into engagementwith the component tape at a lateral portion of the cover tape only.Thereby, a portion of the cover tape will be separated from the carriertape on one side only, i.e. the cover tape will remain attached to thecarrier tape on the other side of the compartment. Preferably, theseparating portion has a width and is located at a position that isadapted to the configuration of the component tapes for which it isintended, i.e. to the width of the component compartments, the width ofthe cover tape and the positions of the respective adhesive areas. Thewidth and position of the separating portion being such that the covertape is separated from the carrier tape at one adhesive area, whileleaving the adhesive area on the other side of the compartment at leastpartially intact, such that the cover tape remains attached to thecarrier tape on that side of the compartment. According to thisembodiment of the invention, a narrower separating portion is used forcompartments having a smaller width.

Furthermore, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, theseparating portion is arranged for advantageous engagement with thecomponent tape essentially at the transversal center of the compartment,or in the vicinity thereof, which generally coincides with thetransversal center of the cover tape, such that the tension in the covertape is minimized during the separating procedure. This is advantageousin that it eliminates or at least significantly reduces the risk of therisk of possible ripping or cutting of the cover tape, which could leadto entanglement of portions of the cover tape that possibly mightdisturb the feeding of the component tape, as well as the picking ofcomponents. Preferably, the separating portion has a lateral extensionin one direction that extends beyond the position of the adhesive areaon that side of the compartment. Thus, according to this preferredembodiment, the width and lateral position of the separating portion isadapted to the configuration of the component tape, such that theseparating portion is small enough and positioned to avoid separatingthe cover tape from the carrier tape at both sides of the compartment,and is wide enough and positioned for ensuring separation on one side ofthe compartment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separatingportion has a tongue-shaped tip portion that protrudes forward, i.e.against the feeding direction of the component tape. The tip portionpreferably has an increased lateral extension in one direction forensuring that the cover tape is separated from the carrier tape on oneside of the compartment. The separating portion is further preferablyprovided with a wing portion for folding or bending the separatedportion of the cover tape to the side, such that the compartment fromwhich a component is to be picked is not at all covered by the coveredtape.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the exposure devicecomprises a cover portion, which longitudinal extension is adapted tothe configuration of the cover tape. Thus, for tape guides of differentsub-sets for the same component tape width, the extension of said coverportion may vary. Preferably, the separating portion transcends into acover portion that covers the component from the separating position tothe picking position, such that the component is maintained in thecorrect position within the compartment. According to this embodiment,the extension of the cover portion is adapted such that a componentexposed from the cover tape by the separating portion is covered by thecover portion until and including the position when the previouscomponent is located at the picking position. Thereby, the describedfunction of the cover portion is maintained regardless of the relativedistance between adjacent component compartments.

Generally, the pitch of a component tape, i.e. the distance from thecenter of one compartment to the center of the adjacent or subsequentcompartment, assumes a number of standardized values such that themajority of component tapes are provided with the same pitch. However,for component tapes carrying very large or very small components, thesizes of the compartments vary accordingly, thus making it impracticalor impossible to maintain the same pitch.

For very small compartments, the standard pitch is decreased so thatmore components may be provided on each component tape, which entailsthat the distance between adjacent compartments may be very small.Preferably, the cover portion has a greater extension for componenttapes provided with smaller compartments positioned at a reduced pitch,such that the cover portion covers the component tape closer to thepicking position and, thereby, covers the next component to be picked.For larger components and compartments, the cover portion preferably hasa smaller extension, such that the component tape is clear of the coverportion for a larger distance as counted from the center of thecompartment that is located at the picking position, i.e. from thepicking center. Thus, the cover portion will not interfere with thepicking action, even though components are picked from compartments witha larger distance from the center to the rear edge of the compartments.Consequently, the extension of the cover portion is varied in accordancewith the size of the compartments, and to the components containedtherein, for component tapes of the same component tape width.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, visual marking isprovided for easily and quickly distinguishing between tape guides ofdifferent sub-sets. Thus, tape guides of the same sub-set of tape guidesare provided with one or more visual markings that indicate to whichsub-set the tape guide belongs. Then, the operator determines whichvisual marking indicates the tape guide to be used for a specificcomponent tape, or component tape holder, and simply retrieves the tapeguide having that marking. Thereby, the work for retrieving the tapeguide to be used for a specific component tape is limited to a quick andeasy visual identification.

The visual marking is provided on a portion of the tape guide which iseasily visible or distinguishable both when the tape guide is mounted atthe component mounting machine, and when it is not. Preferably, thevisual marking is in the form of a label, preferably an adhesive label,or a small plate or inset, provided with a visual marking. Alternativelyor additionally, the visual marking may constitute a part of the tapeguide itself, e.g. the exposure device may be provided with a visualmarking.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tape guide isprovided with a protruding handle on which the visual marking isprovided, e.g. as a label on the handle, an inset in the handle, or byproviding the handle itself as a visual marking, e.g. with a specificcolor, shape, or the like.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevisual marking is in the form of a specific coloring, which may be asingle color or several colors. Thus, all tape guides within the samesub-set are provided with visual marking of the same color. According toother embodiments, the visual marking is in symbol or text form or inthe form of patterns. These forms of visual markings may of course alsobe combined in order to enhance the ease of distinguishing between thetape guides of different sub-sets.

According to a specific embodiment, the exposure devices are providedwith a visual marking. As an example, the exposure devices may beprovided in different colors or with different patterns, whereby allsimilar exposure devices are provided in the same color or with the samepattern.

According to another embodiment, at least part or all of the tape guideis provided in a specific color or with a specific pattern. Then, alltape guides within the same sub-set have the same color or pattern,which differs from the tape guide colors or patterns of the tape guidesof the other sub-sets.

It should be noted that although a number of different types of markingshave been exemplified above, the term marking is to be interpreted in abroad sense, i.e. including all type of markings that may be used indistinguishing purpose.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, the componenttape or the component tape holder, or both, is provided with a visualmarking for facilitating the selection of which tape guide to use for aspecific component tape. Preferably, but not necessarily, the visualmarking correspond to that of the tape guide, i.e. the visual markingshaving the same pattern(s), symbol(s), color(s), or text, respectively.Then, the operator readily realizes that for a component tape, orcomponent tape holder, with a specific visual marking, a tape guide witha corresponding marking is required. Thereby, the work for determiningwhich tape guide to use for a specific component tape is limited to avery quick and simple visual identification, which reduces the timerequired for associating and loading new component tapes into tapeguides, and significantly reduces the risk for selecting the wrong tapeguide.

According to one embodiment, the component tape and/or the componenttape holder as well as the tape guide are provided with a similar visualmarking, e.g. similar or identical labels. According to anotherembodiment, the component tape and/or the component tape holder areproduced with a color or pattern corresponding to the pattern or colorof the visual marking of the tape guide. Then, the operator readilyrealizes that for a red component tape, or component tape holder, a tapeguide with a red marking is required. Thereby, the work for determiningwhich tape guide to use for a specific component (tape) is reduced evenfurther to a very quick and simple color identification, and the risk ofselecting the wrong tape guide is even further reduced.

As stated above, the base material for the tape may also vary, whichnormally affects the thickness of the lateral portion of the componenttape, i.e. the portion provided with feeding holes. Generally, forplastic tapes, the thickness of the lateral portion of the componenttape does not have to be related to the depth or size of thecompartments, whereas for cardboard tapes the thickness usuallycorresponds to the depth of the compartments, which depends on theheight of the components to be contained. This is due to the fact that asingle, elongated cardboard element is used as the component tape, whichis provided with through holes that makes up the feeding holes, as wellas the compartments.

Furthermore, the feeding devices used for feeding a component tape in acomponent mounting process normally comprise feeding pins that isbrought into engagement with the feeding holes of the component tapes.Generally, the feeding pins are mounted on the peripheral surface of afeeding wheel or on an arrangement for reciprocating, linear movement ofthe feeding pins.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tape guide isfurther provided with locking elements for mounting the tape guide atthe component mounting machine in self-adjusting engagement withcorresponding locking elements provided at the component mountingmachine, preferably in a component magazine for use with the componentmounting machine. The self-adjusting locking elements allows for thevertical position of at least part of the tape guide to be varied inaccordance with the configuration of the component tape to be used withthe tape guide. Thereby, a controlled lifting force on the componenttape can be obtained, in addition to the lifting force provided fromengagement of the component exposure device between the cover tape andcarrier tape. A resulting increased contact pressure between the uppersurface of the component tape and the lower surface of the cover portionof the component exposure device, thus preventing or significantlyreducing the risk of components jumping out of their compartments, dueto vibrations produced during feeding of the component tape, or fromturning on the side or upside-down.

Preferably, said self-adjusting locking elements comprises forwardpivotal locking elements, and rearward, displaceable locking elements.Thus, the rearward locking element interacts with corresponding lockingelements at the component mounting machine that in a displaceableengagement that permits relative vertical movement or displacement ofthe rearward locking element. Thereby, the rear of the tape guide may beslightly raised and the tape guide thereby pivoted, while stillmaintaining a mounted position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a base surface ofthe device for feeding the component tape is brought into controlled,pressurized contact with the lateral portion of the component tape,thereby providing said lifting force of the component tape. The basesurface is the surface from which the feeding pins for engagement withthe feeding holes project. Thus, the components contained in thecompartments, that have been exposed by moving the cover tape, that arecovered by the above-described cover portion until the compartmentreaches the picking position, are efficiently kept from jumping out oftheir compartments, due to vibrations produced during feeding of thecomponent tape, or from turning on the side or upside-down.

As a consequence of the adjustability of the vertical position of thetape guide, the distance between the upper surface of the feeding deviceand the lower surface of the cover portion may be automatically adjustedin correspondence with the thickness of the lateral portion of thecomponent tape. Preferably, the rear locking element is in biasedengagement with the locking elements at the component mounting machine,whereby an essentially constant contact pressure between the surface ofthe feeding device and the lateral portion of the component tape.

The rear locking element of the tape guide is preferably in the form ofan angled engagement surface interacting with a biased locking elementat a component mounting machine. Said biased locking element may be inthe form of a biased lever brought into sliding or otherwisedisplaceable engagement with the engagement surface. However, thedescribed arrangement may be substituted for any biased engagementbetween locking elements at the component mounting machine, preferablyin a component magazine, and the rearward locking elements of the tapeguide that provides the desired, vertically displaceable mountingeffect.

As understood by the person skilled in the art, the features of therearward and forward locking elements of the tape guide could beswitched such that the forward locking element is displaceable, and therearward locking element is pivotal.

Further details and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in greaterdetail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 illustrates the relationship between a tape guide, a componenttape, and a component tape holder of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view and

FIG. 2 b is a phantom view showing the general structure of a componenttape with a cardboard body;

FIGS. 3 a-3 e are plan views illustrating differently configuredcomponent tapes, and

FIGS. 4 a-4 e are sectional views of the component tapes shown in FIGS.3 a-3 e;

FIGS. 5, 6 a and 6 b illustrate the general structure of a tape guideaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrate three tape guides arranged for receiving differentlyconfigured component tapes;

FIGS. 8 a-8 e illustrate alternative embodiments of different visualmarkings in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a component magazine in which the tape guideaccording to an embodiment of the invention may be used;

FIG. 10 illustrates the loading of a tape guide in the magazine of FIG.9; and

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate the mounting arrangement between themagazine of FIG. 9 and a tape guide according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The system according to preferred embodiments of the present inventioncomprises tape guides 10, component tapes 20 and component tape reels30. In use, the component tapes 20 are wound onto component tape reels30 and loaded into tape guides 10, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. The tapeguides 10 are then mounted into a component mounting machine, or into amagazine for subsequent loading into a component mounting machine, whichis the embodiment that will be described below. The tape guides 10 arefurther divided into sub-sets of tape guides, the tape guides of eachsub-set comprising similar component exposure devices, while the tapeguides of different sub-sets comprise different component exposuredevices.

With reference to FIGS. 2 a-2 b, 3 a-3 e and 4 a-4 e, the structure andvarying configurations of component tapes will now be described. Acomponent tape generally comprises two main parts, a carrier tape and acover tape. The carrier tape comprises a card-board or plastic body 21provided with compartments 24 for containing components, one in eachcompartment 24. For cardboard tapes, an example of which is illustratedin FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the carrier tape also comprises a bottom cover 23attached to the body 21 and extending along the entire length of thecomponent tape 20, such that the body 21 and the bottom cover 23together form the carrier tape for carrying components. Furthermore, thecompartments 24 in cardboard tapes are provided as through holes 24 withthe bottom cover 23 forming a bottom surface of the compartments. Forplastic tapes, the body 21 normally constitutes the entire carrier tapeof the component tape 20. The body 21 is further provided with a lateralportion 25 provided with through holes 26, which are arranged forengagement with a feeding device, said feeding device feeding thecomponent tape 20 during the mounting procedure, normally in a componentmagazine.

As mentioned above, the component tape further comprises a cover tape22, which generally consists of a thin, plastic, transparent sheath. Thecover tape 22 is provided for enclosing the components contained in thecompartments 24 and extends along the entire length of the componenttape 20. Furthermore, the cover tape 22 is attached to the body 21through the use of adhesive portions 27, 28. Alternatively, the covertape 22 may be fused to the body 21 along the illustrated portions 27,28.

Turning to FIGS. 3 a-3 e and 4 a-4 e, there is illustrated five examplesof differently configured component tapes of the same component tapewidth, in which FIGS. 3 a-3 c and 4 a-4 c illustrate cardboard tapes,whereas FIGS. 3 d-3 e and 4 d-4 e illustrate plastic tapes. As can beseen in the figures, the cardboard tapes have the same thicknessthroughout the cardboard body 21, which is dependent on the depth of thecompartment 24. The plastic tapes, however, have a thin lateral portion25, the thickness of which generally not being dependent on the depth ofthe compartments.

Furthermore, and irrespective of the base material for the componenttapes, the size of the compartments 24 can vary between component tapesof the same component tape width. However, according to standardizationprotocols, the distance from the edge of the component tape to thecenter of each compartment has a standard value for each component tapewidth. Furthermore, the pitch of the compartments 24, i.e. the distancebetween adjacent or subsequent compartments, can be varied, seeparticularly FIG. 3 a in which the distance between the compartments isreduced.

Finally, the cover tape 22 and the attachment thereof to the carriertape 21 can be varied. Even though the cover tapes shown all have thesame width, this is not necessarily so. The width may be varied inaccordance with the width of the compartments. The figures illustratedifferent positions of the adhesive or fused portions 27, 28 incorrespondence with the compartment width. The width of these portionsmay of course also be varied.

With reference now to FIGS. 5, 6 a and 6 b, there is shown the generaloutline of a tape guide according to preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, together with a section of a component tape 20 shownloaded into the tape guide 10. Generally, the tape guide comprises anelongated open-ended profile with opposing elongated tape guiding wallelements 11. The wall elements 11 are each provided with a longitudinalgroove 15 for facilitating insertion of a component tape and guiding thecomponent tape 20. The tape guide 10 is further provided with a recess16 for enabling the pins or teeth of a feeding device 43 (see FIG. 9),provided in a magazine attached to a component mounting machine, toengage the feeding holes 26 of the component tape 20. A handle 12 isarranged in one end of the tape guide 10 for facilitating attachment anddetachment of the tape guide 10 into and from the magazine of acomponent mounting machine. The tape guide 10 also comprises forward andrearward locking elements 13, 14 for attaching the tape guide into themagazine. The locking elements 13, 14 will be described in more detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 9-11.

During feeding of the component tape 20, in the feeding directionindicated by the arrow in FIG. 5, it passes an exposure device 18, whichreleases one side of the cover tape 22 from the carrier tape 21 andfolds or bends the released portion of the cover tape to an uprightposition. While the cover tape is in the upright position, thecomponents are exposed in sequence at a picking position or slot 17where the components can be picked by a pick-up head, as illustrated inthe figure by the component 1.

In FIG. 7, which comprises enlarged partial views of tape guides 10, theexposure device 18 is shown in greater detail and in three differentvariants, wherein tape guide 110 is arranged for small-sizedcompartments, tape guide 210 is arranged for medium-sized compartments,and tape guide 310 is arranged for large-sized compartments, allcomponent tapes having the same tape width. The exposure device 118,218, 318 comprises a forward, i.e. facing the component tape duringfeeding thereof, separating portion 120, 220, 320, which in turncomprises a tongue-shaped tip portion 122, 222, 322 for separating andlifting the cover tape 22 from the carrier tape 21, and a wing portion124, 224, 324 for bringing the cover tape 22 into an upright position.Finally, the exposure device 118, 218, 318 comprises a cover portion126, 226, 326 for covering the component between the position of liftingthe cover tape and the picking position 17.

As clearly illustrated by FIG. 7, the design of the respective exposuredevice 118, 218, 318 is adapted to the configuration of the respectivecomponent tape 20. Thus, for small compartments, the tip portion 122 issmaller, both as regards the width and the height (not shown) of the tipportion 122, than the tip portions 222, 322 for medium-sized and largecompartments, respectively. Furthermore, the lateral extensions of thewing portions 124, 224, 324 varies between the three variants. Thisprovides for complete exposure from the cover tape of a component at thepicking position, while at the same time not separating the cover tapefrom the carrier tape on both sides of the compartments, even though thewidth of the compartments varies.

The numbers provided at the forward end of the cover portion denote thedistance in millimeters from the inner wall of the longitudinal groove15 to the opposite lateral edge of the exposure device, whichessentially corresponds to the lateral distance from the edge of thecomponent tape 20 that the cover tape 22 is separated from the carriertape 21. The illustrated tape guides are arranged for receivingcomponent tapes having a width of 8 mm.

Also, the rearward extension, as seen in the feeding direction of thecomponent tape, of the cover portions 126, 226, 326 varies. Thereby, thecompartment in turn to reach the picking position is completely coveredby the cover portion 126, 226, 326 during the picking of a component inthe previous compartment, while at the same time the previouscompartment is completely exposed to a pick-up head.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 a-8 e, there are shown alternative embodiments oftape guides of the present invention. In these figures, the handle 112,212, 312 is provided with a visual marking 114, 214, 314 for indicatingthat the tape guide belongs to a specific sub-set of tape guides, thetape guides within each different sub-set being provided with componentexposure devices of the same design, i.e. the same size and shape. InFIGS. 8 a and 8 b, there is shown color or gray scale markings 114, 214,314. In FIG. 8 b, there is schematically illustrated how the tape guides110, 210, 310 may be selected in accordance with component tapeconfigurations. As indicated by the arrows, the tape guide 110, of whichthe handle 112 and marking 114 is shown, is selected for the componenttapes 20 a-20 d that are provided with smaller compartments.Furthermore, the tape guide 210, with handle 212 and marking 214, isselected for the component tapes 20 c-20 e with the medium sizedcompartments, and the tape guide 310, with handle 312 and marking 314,is selected for the component tapes 20 e and 20 f with the largercompartments. It should be noted that different tape guides may besuitable for one component tape configuration, e.g. as shown in thefigure with regards to component tape 20 d.

In FIGS. 8 c-8 e there is shown further examples of visual markings.FIG. 8 c illustrate the tape guides with text markings 114, 214, 314. InFIG. 8 d, the visual markings are in the form of visual markings 114,214, 314 in the form of symbols, and in FIG. 8 e there is shown patternmarkings 114, 214, 314. As understood by the skilled person, theinvention is not restricted to a specific type of visual marking. Anytype of visual markings, or combinations thereof, is conceivable withinthe scope of the invention. Furthermore, the visual markings shown areprovided on the handle, as an inset or a label. However, the markingcould be provided anywhere on the tape guide that is easily located andrecognized by the operator.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-11, there will be described a preferredembodiment of the present invention. A component magazine 40 comprises aforward portion 41 for receiving tape guides 10 and for feedingcomponent tapes 20 loaded in the tape guides 10 to a picking position inthe component mounting machine. The magazine 40 further comprises arearward portion 42 arranged for receiving component tape carriers 50,which are arranged for holding the component tapes 20 and component tapereels 30. The forward portion 41 of the magazine 40 comprises a feedingmechanism, including feeding wheels 43, forward locking elements 44adapted for receiving a plurality of tape guides, rearward lockingelements 46 (see FIGS. 11 a and 11 b), and a safety barrier 45. Eachtape guide 10 is placed and mounted in the magazine by interactionbetween the forward locking element 13 of the tape guide 10 and theforward locking element 44 of the magazine 40, and between the rearwardlocking element 14 of the tape guide 10 and the rearward locking element46 of the magazine 40. When mounted in the magazine, the tape guides 10are in a position where the feeding pins 43 a of the feeding wheels 43of the magazine can engage the feeding holes 26 of the component tape 25loaded into each tape guide and, thereby, feed the component tapestowards a picking position in the machine. The safety barrier 45ensures, in a lowered position as shown in FIG. 9, that all tape guides,mounted into the magazine, are correctly locked in an operationalposition. During insertion or removal of the tape guides the safetybarrier 45 is raised, as is shown in FIG. 10.

With particular reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a partial view of aportion of the magazine 40 of FIG. 9 for illustration of the loading oftape guides 10 in the magazine 40. Two tape guides 10 are shown, onealready having been mounted in the magazine 40 and one in the process ofbeing mounted. The mounting is performed by first having the forwardlocking element 44 engaging with the forward locking element 13 of thetape guide, which in this embodiment are an axle 44 and a correspondingessentially semi-circular recess 13. This is illustrated by the tapeguide 10 a. Then, the tape guide is simply pivoted downwards, such thatthe rearward locking elements 46 of the magazine 40, in the preferredembodiment being spring-back locking elements, engage with the rearwardlocking elements 14 of the tape guides 10 (see FIG. 6 a). Followingsnap-in engagement between the rearward locking element 46 of themagazine 40 and the corresponding locking element 14 of the tape guide10, the mounting operation is completed. The completed mounting isillustrated by tape guide 10 b. For removal of the tape guides 10, therearward locking elements 14, 43 are easily released by simply raisingthe handle 12 of the tape guide 10.

In the mounted position, the feeding holes of a component tape loaded inthe tape guide (see FIG. 3) engage with the feeding pins of a feedingwheel 43 in the magazine 40. Furthermore, the tape guide is providedwith an electronic circuit that automatically is connected to electronicconnections in the magazine 40, such that information regarding the tapeguide and the component tape is automatically accessible by the controlsystem of the component mounting machine.

In FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, there is shown in greater detail the mounting orlocking arrangement of the tape guide 10 into the magazine 40. Asdescribed above, the forward locking elements are in the form of an axle44 and a corresponding, semi-circular recess 13. At the opposite end ofthe tape guide 10, the rearward locking element of the tape guide is inthe form of a protrusion 14 provided with an angled, recessed engagementsurface 14 a. The corresponding rearward locking elements of themagazine 40 is a biased lever 46, comprising an upper portion 47 forengagement with the engagement surface 14 a. The upper portion is shownprovided with a wheel for rolling engagement with the surface 14 a.However, any engagement that permits relative vertical movement ordisplacement between the co-operating rearward locking elements 14, 46is conceivable. At the opposite or lower end, the lever 46 is pivotallymounted in the magazine. The bias of the lever is preferably providedwith a torsion or turning spring (not shown). It should be noted thatthe disclosed arrangement could be substituted for any biasedarrangement of the rearward locking elements that provides the intendedfunction, as realized by the person skilled in the art.

With the described arrangement, a snap-in mounting of the tape guide 10in the magazine 40 is achieved. Furthermore, the tape guide may bepivoted slightly about a pivot center defined by the forward lockingelements 13, 44 without releasing the tape guide 10 from the mountedposition. Thus, the vertical position of the mounted tape guide 10 maybe varied, as is evident from the FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, in accordancewith the thickness of the lateral portion 25 of the component tape 20,as will now be described.

As can be seen in FIG. 6 b, which is a sectional view of the tape guideshown in 6 a, the component tape 20 is guided by the longitudinalgrooves 15. The engagement of the exposure device 18 between the covertape 21 and the carrier tape 22 lifts the component tape 10 such thatthe upper surfaces of the component tape 20 contacts the upper innerwall of the longitudinal grooves 15. The contact is desirable, since itbrings exposed compartments closer to the cover portion 126, 226, 326and thereby prevents components from “jumping out” of the compartments.However, the lifting action of the component tape is only provided bythe attachment forces between the cover tape 22 and the carrier tape 21,which is insufficient. This lifting could be aided by providing asupport spring (not shown) underneath the component tape. However, theprovision of such a spring would result in a frictional force betweenthe support spring and the component tape which will impair the feedingof the tape guide.

According to this embodiment, the lifting action is provided by bringingthe upper surface of the feeding wheel 43, i.e. the surface from whichthe feeding pins 43 a project, to apply upward pressure on the lateralportion 25 of the tape guide 26. Since the surface of the feeding wheel43 moves simultaneously with the component tape 20, there will be noresulting frictional force between the feeding wheel 43 and thecomponent tape 20 that will hamper the feeding action.

The self-adjusting mounting arrangement between the tape guide 10 andthe magazine 40 allows for a controlled contact between the surfaces ofthe feeding wheel 43 and the lateral portion 25 of the component tape 10regardless of the thickness of the lateral portion 25. Thus, if acomponent tape with a thicker or thinner lateral portion 25 is loaded inthe mounted tape guide 10, the rearward locking elements 14, 46 willinteract to self-adjust the vertical position of the tape guide at thefeeding wheel to an appropriate position. The angle of the engagementsurface 14 a and the bias of the lever 46 ensures that an appropriatecontact pressure between the feeding wheel 43 and the component tape 20is obtained. FIG. 11 a is intended to illustrate the self-adjustedposition of the tape guide 10 when a component tape with a thickerlateral portion is loaded into the tape guide, and FIG. 11 b is intendedto illustrate the self-adjusted position of the tape guide 10 when acomponent tape with a thinner lateral portion is loaded into the tapeguide, even though the component tapes themselves have been omitted forease of illustration. Thus, a single tape guide 10 may equally be usedwith a plastic tape or a cardboard tape, which generally has a thickerlateral portion than the plastic tape.

As understood by the person skilled in the art, although the system ofthe present invention is limited to component tapes of the samecomponent tape width, the invention is not restricted to a particularcomponent tape width. Thus, the system of the invention is equallyapplicable any given component tape width, as long as all componenttapes of the system have the same component tape width.

Even though the invention has been described above using exemplifyingembodiments thereof, alterations, modifications and combinationsthereof, as understood by those skilled in the art, may be made withinthe scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims.

1-24. (CANCELED)
 25. A tape guide for guiding a component tape at acomponent mounting machine and for bringing said component tape inposition for feeding of the component tape and for picking componentsfrom the component tape by said component mounting machine, thecomponent tape carrying components positioned in sequence on a carriertape and covered by a cover, the tape guide comprising: a componentexposure element arranged for exposing a component at a picking positionby at least partly removing or displacing the portion of the covercovering said component, and locking elements for engagement withcorresponding locking elements provided in said component mountingmachine, wherein said locking elements are arranged for self-adjustingengagement with said corresponding locking elements in adaptation to thethickness of the carrier tape.
 26. The tape guide as claimed in claim25, wherein said self-adjusting engagement is arranged to provide acontrolled contact pressure between the component mounting machine andthe carrier tape at the picking position regardless of the thickness ofthe carrier tape.
 27. The tape guide as claimed in claim 25, whereinsaid carrier tape comprises a central portion provided with a series ofcompartments along the carrier tape for containing said components, andlateral portions provided along the carrier tape on either side of saidcentral portion, wherein said adaptation is an adaptation to thethickness of the lateral portions of the cover tape.
 28. The tape guideas claimed in claim 27, wherein one of said lateral portions is providedwith holes for enabling feeding of the component tape by engagement insaid holes by a feeding device, and wherein said adaptation is anadaptation to the thickness of the lateral portion provided with saidholes.
 29. The tape guide as claimed in claim 25, wherein said lockingelements include first and second locking elements positioned atopposite ends of said tape guide, said first locking element beingarranged for pivotal engagement and said second locking element beingarranged for displaceable engagement with said corresponding lockingelements, such that the tape guide when mounted may be slightly pivotedabout said first locking element in adaptation to said thickness of thecarrier tape.
 30. The tape guide as claimed in claim 29, wherein saidsecond locking element comprises an angled engagement surface forengagement with a biased locking element of said corresponding lockingelements, wherein the engaging portion of said biased locking element isdisplaceable along said angled engagement surface, whereby the tapeguide is pivotal in a mounted position at said component mountingmachine for providing said self-adjusting engagement.
 31. The tape guideas claimed in claim 25, wherein said tape guide is releasably mountablein said component mounting machine.
 32. The tape guide as claimed inclaim 25, wherein the tape guide lacks component tape feeding means andis arranged for allowing component tape feeding means provided in thecomponent mounting machine to engage with the carrier tape for feedingthe carrier tape towards the picking position.
 33. The tape guide asclaimed in claim 25, wherein the component exposure element comprises aseparating portion for separating and lifting a lateral portion of thecover tape from the carrier tape, while leaving the remaining lateralportion of the cover tape at least partially attached to the carriertape, and for bringing the lifted portion of the cover tape aside.
 34. Atape guide for guiding a component tape at a component mounting machineand for bringing said component tape in position for feeding of thecomponent tape and for picking components from the component tape bysaid component mounting machine, the component tape carrying componentspositioned in sequence on a carrier tape and covered by a cover, thetape guide comprising: a component exposure element arranged forexposing a component at a picking position by at least partly removingor displacing the portion of the cover covering said component, andlocking elements for engagement with corresponding locking elementsprovided in a component tape magazine arranged for loading into saidcomponent mounting machine, wherein said locking elements are arrangedfor self-adjusting engagement with said corresponding locking elementsin adaptation to the thickness of the carrier tape.
 35. The tape guideas claimed in claim 34, wherein said self-adjusting engagement isarranged to provide a controlled contact pressure between the componenttape magazine and the carrier tape at the picking position regardless ofthe thickness of the carrier tape.
 36. The tape guide as claimed inclaim 34, wherein said carrier tape comprises a central portion providedwith a series of compartments along the carrier tape for containing saidcomponents, and lateral portions provided along the carrier tape oneither side of said central portion, wherein said adaptation is anadaptation to the thickness of the lateral portions of the cover tape.37. The tape guide as claimed in claim 36, wherein one of said lateralportions is provided with holes for enabling feeding of the componenttape by engagement in said holes by a feeding device, and wherein saidadaptation is an adaptation to the thickness of the lateral portionprovided with said holes.
 38. The tape guide as claimed in claim 34,wherein said locking elements include first and second locking elementspositioned at opposite ends of said tape guide, said first lockingelement being arranged for pivotal engagement and said second lockingelement being arranged for displaceable engagement with saidcorresponding locking elements, such that the tape guide when mountedmay be slightly pivoted about said first locking element in adaptationto said thickness of the carrier tape.
 39. The tape guide as claimed inclaim 38, wherein said second locking element comprises an angledengagement surface for engagement with a biased locking element of saidcorresponding locking elements, wherein the engaging portion of saidbiased locking element is displaceable along said angled engagementsurface, whereby the tape guide is pivotal in a mounted position in saidcomponent tape magazine for providing said self-adjusting engagement.40. The tape guide as claimed in claim 34, wherein said tape guide isreleasably mountable in said component tape magazine.
 41. The tape guideas claimed in claim 34, wherein the tape guide lacks component tapefeeding means and is arranged for allowing component tape feeding meansprovided in the component tape magazine, to engage with the carrier tapefor feeding the carrier tape towards the picking position.
 42. The tapeguide as claimed in claim 34, wherein the component exposure elementcomprises a separating portion for separating and lifting a lateralportion of the cover tape from the carrier tape, while leaving theremaining lateral portion of the cover tape at least partially attachedto the carrier tape, and for bringing the lifted portion of the covertape aside.
 43. An arrangement for guiding and feeding component tapesat a component mounting machine, the component tapes carrying componentspositioned in sequence on a carrier tape and covered by a cover, thearrangement comprising: at least one tape guide arranged for guidingsaid component tapes at the component mounting machine, and a componenttape magazine arranged for receiving and holding said tape guides) andfor loading of the component tape magazine into a component mountingmachine, said component tape magazine comprising at least one feedingdevice for feeding said component tapes in position for pickingcomponents from the component tapes by said component mounting machine,wherein said at least one tape guide comprise(s) tape guide lockingelements arranged for self-adjusting engagement with magazine lockingelements comprised in the component tape magazine, such that guiding ofthe carrier tapes is enabled regardless of the thickness of each carriertape.
 44. The arrangement as claimed in claim 43, wherein saidself-adjusting engagement is arranged to provide a controlled contactpressure between the component tape magazine and the carrier tape at thepicking position regardless of the thickness of the carrier tape.
 45. Asystem for mounting of components provided on component tapes, thecomponent tapes carrying components positioned in sequence on a carriertape and covered by a cover, the system comprising: at least one tapeguide arranged for guiding said component tapes in the componentmounting machine, and a component mounting machine arranged forreceiving and holding said tape guide(s) and for picking said componentsfrom the component tapes, said component mounting machine comprising atleast one feeding device for feeding said component tapes in positionfor picking components, wherein said at least one tape guide comprise(s)tape guide locking elements arranged for self-adjusting engagement withlocking elements comprised in the component mounting machine, such thatguiding of the carrier tapes is enabled regardless of the thickness ofeach carrier tape.
 46. The system as claimed in claim 45, wherein saidself-adjusting engagement is arranged to provide a controlled contactpressure between the component mounting machine and the carrier tape atthe picking position regardless of the thickness of the carrier tape.